In celebration of World Tourism Day, tourists visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, were warmly welcomed today by the Lumbini Province government. The Minister of Industry, Tourism, and Transport of Lumbini Province, Prachanda Bikram Neupane, along with the Vice Chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust, Dr. Lharkyal Lama (Khenpo Chime), greeted tourists with traditional Khada scarves and Nepali Dhaka topis as a symbol of Nepalese hospitality.
Among the honored guests were Japanese national Yuku Shan and Indian tourists Vidya Bagdi and Sunil Bagdi. Addressing the event, Minister Neupane emphasized Lumbini as a source of national pride and reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to its development and promotion in collaboration with the Lumbini Development Trust.
Dr. Lharkyal Lama, Vice Chairperson of the Trust, stressed the need to create an environment where tourists feel welcomed year-round. He called for unified efforts in promoting Lumbini among both domestic and international visitors.
Speaking at the event, Senior Vice President of the Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal, Lilamani Sharma, remarked that tourism in Lumbini has the potential to contribute significantly to the nation’s prosperity. He urged the tourism minister to introduce plans to increase visitor inflow, leveraging the special occasion of World Tourism Day.
This year’s event in Lumbini was celebrated under the theme “Tourism and Peace,” focusing on promoting peace through travel, spirituality, and contemplation, as highlighted by Dr. Haridhwaj Rai, head of information and public relations at the Lumbini Development Trust.
In addition to the welcome ceremony, the Lumbini Hotel Association Nepal arranged a day-long tour for the visiting tourists to key sites such as Tilaurakot and Ramgram, providing accommodations for their stay, according to Association President Govinda Gyawali.
The event was jointly organized by the Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Lumbini Hotel Association, Lumbini Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, Mahamaya Rickshaw Drivers Association, Lumbini Local Guides Association, and Lumbini International Monasteries.
As of August 2024, Lumbini has seen a total of 612,477 visitors, both domestic and international. Last year, nearly one million tourists visited the sacred site, and officials are optimistic that the numbers will rise as the tourism season begins. World Tourism Day is celebrated globally on September 27 each year.
